Union and company reach agreement, ratify contract

Three Forks, Mont., (October 31, 2018) – Workers from Boilermakers Local D239 and officials representing Imerys Talc America met in negotiations last week and have reached an agreement to end the nearly three-month lockout at Imerys’ Three Forks, Montana, mill.

“We cannot thank enough our families, the community and so many others for standing with us and supporting us over the past few months,” said Local D239 president Randy Tocci. “This was a tough and tense time, and we appreciate those who joined us on the picket line, who sent emails and letters of support, who donated food and supplies and funds for us and who encouraged us to stand strong.”

Thirty-five Imerys Talc workers, all members of Local D239, had been locked out since the evening of August 2 after Imerys served up last and final contract demands that were unacceptable to the union members, many of whom have worked at the mill for decades. Workers have gone without paychecks since August and lost their employer health coverage in September.

The union and Imerys are working on a reintegration agreement, and 32 of the original 35 locked-out workers are expected to resume work as early as next week. Several workers chose to find work elsewhere during the lockout.

“We’re focused on the future, and we look forward to going back to work and doing what we’ve always done: work hard and produce the best possible product for Imerys’ customers,” Tocci said.

###

Established in 1880, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers is a diverse union representing workers throughout the United States and Canada who are employed in industrial construction, maintenance and repair; ship building; manufacturing; railroads; cement; mining and related industries. More information can be found at www.boilermakers.org.